At least three people have been killed and several others injured after a stampede broke out during Jagannath Rath Yatra. The incident took place at Saradhabali, near the Gundicha Temple in Puri, on early Sunday morning. The deceased have been identified as Prabhati Das, Basanti Sahu, and Premakanta Mohanty. It is reported that around 4:20 am, a huge crowd of devotees had gathered for darshan of the holy trinity, when the tragic incident occurred.
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan told ANI about the tragic Incident, “It is an unfortunate incident. We are taking note of that. I spoke with the CM this morning. We are taking stringent action… The DGP has been sent to the spot to inquire into the prima facie of the entire scene.”
He also confirmed the casualties occurred due to the incident, he said, “Three people have passed away because of suffocation in the huge gathering. Six to seven people are injured.”
He also said that he is monitoring the situation himself, “I am moving to Puri. I am monitoring the situation over the phone. We are trying our best to manage the crowd. Additional police have been deployed.”
“The reasons for the incident are being investigated. The situation is now under control and the people are having darshan…” he told about the investigation and the situation there.
As further details on the incident are awaited, situation appears normal in Puri now with devotees taking part in the Rath Yatra for the third day. Earlier visuals from the site showed large number of devotees gathered to witness Lord Jagannath’s grand procession. The grand Chariot festival had begun on Friday, June 27.
A devotee in conversation with ANI, expressed his happiness on being able to participate in the Rath yatra. He said, “It feels good to have darshan here. This is the only temple where God himself comes out to give darshan. Whether you are a Hindu or a Muslim, anyone who cannot go inside and love God can have darshan here.”
Earlier on Saturday, Health officials had reported serious crowd-related health issues. Around 750 devotees were taken to hospital due to exhaustion and pressure from the crowd.
As further details on the incident are awaited, situation appears normal in Puri now with devotees taking part in the Rath Yatra for the third day. Earlier visuals from the site showed large number of devotees gathered to witness Lord Jagannath’s grand procession. The grand Chariot festival had begun on Friday, June 27.
A devotee in conversation with ANI, expressed his happiness on being able to participate in the Rath yatra. He said, “It feels good to have darshan here. This is the only temple where God himself comes out to give darshan. Whether you are a Hindu or a Muslim, anyone who cannot go inside and love God can have darshan here.”
Earlier on Saturday, Health officials had reported serious crowd-related health issues. Around 750 devotees were taken to hospital due to exhaustion and pressure from the crowd.
